Welcome to the sport. What type of riding are you looking for? Cross ****ry? Downhill? You have Blue Marsh Lake near Bernville which is just a little north of Reading. Trail goes all the way around the lake and can be stretched to about 31 miles. Or you can do an out and back ride instead of a loop. Mostly rolling singletrack with some climbs. You also have Mt Penn which has roughly (if I remember correctly) close to 40 miles of all types of trails. Mostly singletrack with log-overs, rock gardens, jumps, bridges, and some awesome downhill specific trails. All the trails aren't mapped but it is pretty hard to get lost. There is climbing involved. May try to get down there this Sunday if everything falls into place. There are plenty of riders in that area that can show you around. There is also French Creek near Morgantown which is again mostly singletrack and rocky. Within an hours ride from Reading there is a whole lot more destinations to ride. Check out spots near Allentown, Philly. And there is some great riding above Wilkes Barre. One in particular is Moon Lake. Hope this helps. Also if looking for rides just post up here as well.

Not sure what k8nd of riding I will like best. Im going to try alittle bit of everything to see what I like best. I know I will be doing some single track to ride with my wife every now and then

If you're just getting (back) into dirt riding on a bike, start easy and ramp it up.

Less challenging stuff like Swatara, Nockamixon, Blue Marsh Lake, Wissahickon, some of French Creek, et. al. will help get you and your bike working together without over-commitment. If your wife doesn't (want to) ride much and is very casually interested these are great locations.

Getting more PA-normal (e.g. rocky, rooty) next - Rattling Creek, bumpier stuff at French Creek, Rocky Ridge, Allamuchy, Trexler(?), et. al. is a next step. I highly advocate riding with groups if you're working on building skills - you'll learn more faster, and be safer for people being around to help you figure out stuff.

Push yourself, but not too hard. No matter what, remember it's about FUN!

Re: Mountain biking in reading

Mountain biking is an awesome way to meet a lot of people and build friendships. Group rides are the best because you get to ride with mt bikers of all skill levels. You learn alot and build confidence. No.one is left behind and its always a great time. Hope to see you on the trails!!!

I also live near Reading I bike at Blue Marsh most of the time they say Mt Penn is good too. I'm all way's looking for people to ride with I go out during the week and some Saturday mornings I work 2nd shift so I have to get out in the mourning.

Well as far as the weather is concerned this weekend will be snowy and rainy. Sunday may be clear but just above freezing. Brr. Soon though Ill be heading out no matter what Im getting the itch. Maybe since there are a few of us around Blue Marsh we should set something up. I can't get all crazy and jump off cliffs or anything, but Im always down for a group mtb ride.

On a side note Im still new here too. I used to be on a forum with a car club and we often met up, went for cruises and cookouts. Had a real honest good time. I miss that.

I would be more then happy to show you around at blue marsh I have ridden it the last two Saturdays it is a little cold now but the cold keeps the ground hard and it isnt to bad when it starts to warm up it will stay muddy for awhile. If u want to ride send me a message I never leave a rider behind and can ride a fast pace or slow its up to u.

I would be more then happy to show you around at blue marsh I have ridden it the last two Saturdays it is a little cold now but the cold keeps the ground hard and it isnt to bad when it starts to warm up it will stay muddy for awhile. If u want to ride send me a message I never leave a rider behind and can ride a fast pace or slow its up to u.

how would you feel about Blue Marsh in a couple weeks? what route do you take?

Also, PASSMTBIKE, i use the conti X-King protection model 2.2. They work great.